2021 Ram 1500 driver assistance & safety tech problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

84 owners have reported driver assistance & safety tech problems with the 2021 Ram 1500, 12% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 35,000 mi.

Driver Assistance & Safety Tech complaints
84
Crashes
4
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Related recalls
5
Median mileage
35,000 mi

Specific components reported

Driver Assistance & Safety Tech covers: Automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, backup camera, stability and traction control.

ComponentComplaints
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking46
Electronic stability control (esc)16
Forward collision avoidance: warnings8
Lane departure: blind spot detection7
Back over prevention: camera system5
Back over prevention: rearview system braking5
Back over prevention: warnings4
Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control3
Back over prevention2
Lane departure: assist1

Driver Assistance & Safety Tech complaints across Ram 1500 years

14201325201424201528201621201726201871201928202084202183202225202392024772025112026
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech complaints by model year. The 2021 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

2Under 10k210k–30k730k–60k260k–100k1100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 24V653000Sep 5, 20241,025,432 vehicles
    ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module may disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

    Risk: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 10, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 85B.

  • Recall 23V059000Feb 9, 202377,079 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 1500 and 2023 Ram 2500 vehicles. The trailer reverse steering control module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 14A. This recall supersedes and expands previous recall numbers 21V-438 and 21V-918. FCA US Recall ID 63A is a vehicle population expansion of FCA US Recall ID 14A (NHTSA Recall ID 23V-059).

  • Recall 22V638000Aug 25, 20227,895 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.

  • Recall 21V918000Nov 23, 202138,157 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION · STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the TRSCM software. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on January 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y80. This recall was superseded by 23V-059.

  • Recall 21V438000Jun 10, 202114,096 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a trailer reverse steering module (TRSCM). The rearview camera image may not display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the TRSCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, US, LLC's number for this recall is Y30. This recall was superseded by recall number 21V-918.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 3, 2026NYDriver Assistance & Safety TechSeats & Seat Belts
    Driver side seatbelts issues, issues locking the buckle. Also car has engine light come up after emergency braking system error. Goes in to reduced power mode. If shut off and turn back on, truck is fine.
    NHTSA complaint #11761860 · source
  2. Filed Aug 20, 2026WADriver Assistance & Safety TechOther / UnknownSteering
    I initiated a turn and the steering wheel suddenly and forcefully moved in the opposite direction of my steering input. The steering wheel was pulled out of my hand. I was unable to maintain the intended steering direction and the vehicle was involved in a collision. This was not an intentional steering maneuver or ordinary loss of traction.
    NHTSA complaint #11758255 · source
  3. Filed Apr 15, 2026ALDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    the reverse camera quit working, trailer reverse function inop, service electric throttle light is on. I have had the recall completed. the programing did not completely correct the issue. the vehicle s at the dealership now - has been there for a week now- no word on what the problem is.
    NHTSA complaint #11731381 · source
  4. Filed Mar 30, 2026GADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
    Electrical system shutdown including loss of all safety features (blind spot, emergency braking, abs, traction control, towing), climate control options (AC, Heat, window operations) and user interfaces (U-Connect screen, center gauge cluster). Initial warnings (2) on center cluster on listed- 1. Blind Spot Detection Disabled 2. 115 Volt Cargo Power Outlet On All electronics, controls were then disabled- black screens, inoperable controls. Passenger rear windows, sliding…
    NHTSA complaint #11728155 · source
  5. Filed Mar 22, 2026WVDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine
    Engine malfunction cause low oil pressure and cause a catastrophic failure and lock brakes up multiple people i know have had same issue as me and it due to a manufacturer error on oil gallery bolts backing out and causes rockers not to get proper oil and chews cams up
    NHTSA complaint #11726139 · source
  6. Filed Mar 2, 2026MNBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechAcceleration & Cruise Control
    Stellantis is recalling over 1.2 million 2019-2024 Ram 1500 pickups, including the 2021 model year, due to a software flaw in the ABS module that can disable the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system My ram vin is not listed, but i am receiving this error.
    NHTSA complaint #11721459 · source
  7. Filed Dec 31, 2025MSDriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering
    In early October 2025, my 2021 RAM 1500 experienced a steering malfunction in which the vehicle attempted to steer on its own without driver input. This created a loss-of-control scenario and posed a serious safety risk to me and surrounding traffic. The vehicle was removed from service immediately and taken to an authorized RAM dealer. Stellantis Customer Care and Fleet Case Management have acknowledged the defect and identified a required replacement part; however, the…
    NHTSA complaint #11708022 · source
  8. Filed Dec 5, 202530,000 miAKBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing downhill and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal travelled down to the floorboard and became stiff, and the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and failed to respond as needed. The contact stated…
    NHTSA complaint #11703235 · source
  9. Filed Nov 25, 2025110,000 miMDBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact…
    NHTSA complaint #11701509 · source
  10. Filed Oct 17, 202550,000 miSCDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that an Over-the-Air update was been performed on the vehicle overnight and the following day the battery was drained and needed to be replaced. The contact drove another vehicle to an independent mechanic and purchased a new battery. After replacing the battery, an error code for a firmware failure was displayed on the instrument panel. As a result of the message, the radio module became defective, and the back over…
    NHTSA complaint #11694043 · source
  11. Filed Sep 19, 202562,000 miTXBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS and ECS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the ABS. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11688348 · source
  12. Filed Jul 16, 2025ALDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
    Mine was flickering the 115v cargo outlet and the radio was Turning on and off… blind monitoring system, Cap applying the brakes, automatically thinking something was in front or behind me
    NHTSA complaint #11674110 · source

Other 2021 Ram 1500 problem areas

Back to all 2021 Ram 1500 problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology